Foreman, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $3,811.00 - $5,117.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/23/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within the Southeast Region.

Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself leading a 20 Person Initial Attack Handcrew while working in Washington’s most diverse geographic region? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a bright, quick-thinking, motivated individual to fill the role of Handcrew Foreman (Wildland Fire Management Supervisor).

Requirements

Responsibilities:
Community Resilience and Fuels Management

• Prescribed Fire Support – Leads and supervises crew to conduct site fuels and fire effects data collection, unit preparation, assist with burn plan writing, community outreach, and Rx burn implementation support to include firing, holding, burn boss, etc.

Community Resilience - Lead and supervise crew to conduct home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors or independent requests from landowners and/or communities.

In addition to Home Ignition Zone assessments, crew members may participate in community education days, plan and participate in community outreach and prevention events, and participate with local cooperators on community outreach projects.

Forest Health Treatment – Leads and supervises crew to conduct non-commercial thinning and slash abatement, project layout, and compliance in coordination with State Lands and Landowner Assistance staff.

Supports forest health project layout, tree marking, road brushing, and GPS data collection surveys. Assists with timber sales, layout, marking, forest cruising, and road maintenance.

Suppression
• Protects human life, natural resources, and property on Department-protected lands from wildland and urban interface fires to minimize resource loss and fire costs while ensuring firefighter and public safety. Firefighter safety is the top priority.

Provide direct fire line supervision of the handcrew, which responds to grass, brush, and forest fires and is available for district, region, and statewide and/or interagency dispatch.

Provides interagency fire suppression activities for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol, and rehabilitation.

On initial attack fires, may perform ICS functions as Incident Commander Type 4 and 5, task force leader, air-to-ground contact, single resource boss, firefighter, timekeeper, or public relations contact.

Assists in ensuring safe and efficient use of the Chelan handcrew as an efficient and effective firefighting resource.

This often requires working long, irregular hours on weekdays, weekends, holidays, day or night.

These duties involve fieldwork requiring physical performance, calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.

• These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires.
• In addition to serving as a handcrew member, may serve with other suppression resources/modules commensurate with qualifications.
• Reviews and authors initial incident reports, Supervisor’s report of injury, fire reports, and fire situation narratives.
Preparedness

Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent, plans and implements training for seasonal crews, Squad Bosses, and interagency cooperators.

Instructs seasonal and permanent staff and private contractors as appropriate. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review.

Plans and provides drills and training exercises regularly to the seasonal staff and Squad Bosses.

Ensures safe working practices are followed and holds regular safety meetings and After-Action Reviews with the seasonal staff.

Tracks crew training and ensures position task books are completed accurately.

Under the guidance of the Chelan Crew Superintendent, develops and implements annual pre-suppression project work plans for firefighters. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review.

Attends and participates in Unit and Region Staff meetings.

Assists with the implementation of the unit’s operational plan and ensures staff, equipment, and facilities are available and ready to meet the Region's operational plan.

• Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent, plans and provides drills and training exercises on a regular basis to the firefighters. Coordinates work plan activities with other program managers and specialists. (e.g., fuel reduction, pre-commercial thinning, brushing roads, etc.).
• Ensures vehicles and equipment are serviced regularly. Inspect, evaluate, and recommend the potential need for replacement of fire equipment, supplies, and vehicles to the Crew Superintendent.

Supervision and Crew Administration

Assist in providing supervision and leadership for a 20-person hand crew, ensuring adequate safety, production, and quality control of work projects and suppression efforts.

Directly supervises 4 Squad Bosses and 14 Firefighters. This position routinely supervises and leads up to 18 people fighting fire and performing other activities.

Assist and/or lead in the recruiting, orientation of applicants, screening applicants, and verbal interviews.

Make recommendations to the Crew Superintendent for the hiring of squad leaders and firefighters.

Ensures onboarding and various trainings are completed according to agency policy and timelines, such as: orientation, mandatory safety, position-specific, first aid, fiscal/accounting, and human resource-related trainings.

Facilitate reviews of Job Safety Analysis and Task Hazard Analysis.

Monitor workplace conduct at the Assigned Duty Station and provide expectations for off-duty behavior, facilities use, and housekeeping.

Addresses crew personnel issues to ensure they are resolved at the appropriate level and/or recommends disciplinary action tothe Crew Superintendent.

Lead and conduct performance evaluations, provide goals and guidance as necessary, recognize successes, delegate tasks that can be assigned to subordinates, and facilitate and support all subordinate employees in their duties.

Empower all employees to make appropriate decisions by providing a trusting, respectful, and positive workplace culture.

Ensure a maintained facility for assigned portions of the Work Center, including areas needing special consideration. Monitors and provides direction for inventorying, ordering, and storage of all assigned equipment for the Chelan Hand Crew.

Assists in planning, coordinating, and supervising a 20-person hand crew while ensuring adequate safety, production, and quality control of work projects, training, and suppression efforts.

Assists in the preparation, review, and submission of crew documents. Working with the Crew Superintendent, this position anticipates, communicates, and fulfills the appropriate needs of the crew.

Provides Squad Leaders and Firefighters with project work plans, point-of-contact information, expectations, deadlines, feedback, and compliance of the same.

Ensure accurate completion of crew and agency documents and submit these as required by determined deadlines. Completes hiring and end-of-season forms as required by agency Human Resources and Accounting programs.

Fire Training

Prepares for and participates in interagency training classes and hands-on courses of wildland firefighting tactics, fire behavior recognition, safe chainsaw operation, use of tools, pumps, and water delivery systems, working around helicopters, and assessments of hazards.

Assists crew with guidance on various position task books, training records, and evaluations. Attends Fire Trainings to meet the Chelan Fire Unit’s goals and personal fire training plan.

As assigned, assists with required annual firefighter training and needs, and maintains certifications as required by the job position, to assist in recurrent training of the crew.

Assists with the administration of Work Capacity Tests (pack tests).

Assists in conducting Fire Unit training and participates as an instructor or lead at the Statewide Fire Training Academies or other trainings.

Prepares lesson plans and timelines for a variety of professional trainings for participants from DNR, Interagency Cooperators, and the general public.

May lead or assist in presenting annual Operator Safety Training sessions for private fire contractors.

Plans drills and training exercises for the Assigned Hand Crew and seasonal fire staff.

Analyzes and documents training needs required to meet Incident Command System and appropriate NWCG position qualifications, certifications, and readiness levels.

Ensures completion of all required agency and NWCG documentation. Ensures annual IQS information is sent to Region Training Coordinators.

Perform Other Duties as Assigned

• May function as Crew Superintendent in the Crew Superintendent's absence.

May acts as Fire Unit Duty Officer for the Fire Unit.

As Fire Unit Duty Officer, ensure staffing plan is adequate based on fire danger and recommend changes to the Chelan Fire Management Officer or the Region’s Fire Operations District Manager.

Assists with fire prevention and fire regulation program, as assigned.

• May participate in prescribed fire operations for the DNR or other agencies.
• Assists other programs, such as Recreation with public use issues, campground maintenance, and recreation projects, as assigned.
• May assist in performing tasks involving timber presale preparation as assigned by the timber sale unit, including general sale layout, road location, surveying, marking and cruising timber, prescribed fire, and fuels reduction.

Perform Physical Fitness Training

• Following DNR’s Physical Fitness Training Policy (P020-007), the position requires passing annual work capacity tests at the arduous or moderate levels as NWCG requires.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
• Certified as a NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 and Firefighter Type 1.
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
• Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
• Encourages team unity by sharing information and expertise, working together to solve problems, and prioritizing team success.
• Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity, showing respect for their opinions.
• Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

Work is performed in an office setting (30%) of the time and in unimproved natural areas of the state (70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

The outside environment varies from hot, dry, heat-related illness-type conditions in summer, to cold, wet, hypothermic-type conditions closer to wintertime.

These duties may involve field work requiring physical performance, calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning.

Position requires a large amount of travel (50%).

This includes travel alone between fires, work centers, proposed work sites, and ongoing supervisory tasks, as well as meeting with partners and cooperators.

This includes driving in snowy, icy conditions with poor to little visibility, and driving in conditions while surrounded by smoke and fire. This position requires both night and overnight travel.

Must pass work capacity test annually at the arduous level as required by NWCG.

A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.

Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).

This position requires driving as an essential function.

Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's or associate's degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource or related field; or some higher education that required coursework in Fire Sciences and/or Silviculture.
• Certified as a NWCG qualification level of Single Resource Boss-Crew Boss, or higher.
• Certified as a NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 or higher, Experience in forest fire protection regulatory programs, and knowledge of general forest management.
• Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal, career, and seasonal employees.
• Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience writing burning permits for large forest industry landowners.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important that you consider and clearly communicate in your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions?
For questions about the East Wenatchee Fire Unit, please contact: Bryan Lyle @ bryan.lyle@dnr.wa.gov 509-856-5500
For questions about Kittitas Fire Unit, please contact: Chase Brewer @ chase.brewer@dnr.wa.gov 509-856-5504
For questions about the Ahtanum Fire Unit, please contact: Jeff DeLarosa @ jeff.delarosa@dnr.wa.gov 509-899-2823
For questions about the Dallesport Fire Unit, please contact: James Richardson @ james.richardson@dnr.wa.gov 509-856-5564
OR email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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